The Detroit Lions have already signed defender Marcus Davenport during NFL free agency. However, the Lions are reportedly interested in another veteran defensive tackle, Arik Armstead.
On March 13, NFL insider Aaron Wilson said that the Lions are one of three teams interested in signing the veteran defensive lineman.
“Texas is one of several teams, including the Bengals and Lions, interested in Arik Armstead, who has yet to be officially released,” wrote Wilson on X.
Armstead has spent his whole nine-year career with the San Francisco 49ers. He recorded 5 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, and 13 quarterback hits in 2023.
On March 10, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco claimed that the 49ers had requested Armstead to accept a “significant” wage cut for the 2024 season. However, Armstead declined.
Armstead’s current contract carries a $28.35 million cap charge for the 2024 season. Because of the cap hit, Maiocco believes the 49ers will release the veteran defensive tackle.
Armstead has 302 total tackles in 116 career games, 43 of which are for loss. He’s also had 88 QB hits, 33.5 sacks, six pass defenses, and three caused fumbles.
What DT Arik Armstead Could Offer to the Lions
Armstead has experience at both defensive end and defensive tackle. That adaptability will appeal to NFL teams in free agency.
In Detroit, however, Armstead is most likely seen as a defensive tackle addition. The Lions might benefit from an improvement over 26-year-old defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike. He had only 5 combined tackles and 1 sack in 10 games last season.
The Lions have also added an upgrade at defensive end in Davenport.
